About the exhibition :: Chronicle Books partnered with San Francisco Center for the Book to present a new exhibit titled Chronicle Books: Born in the Summer of Love. The exhibit was part of Chronicle Books’ year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary. The oldest book on display was Here Today (1969), a comprehensive architectural history of San Francisco, published in collaboration with the city’s Junior League; the most recent title exhibited was The Card Catalog (2017), a visual celebration of the Library of Congress’s magnificent collection and the cataloging system that has kept it organized for centuries.

Founded in 1967, Chronicle Books is one of the world’s most respected publishers of illustrated books and gifts, known for publishing exceptional titles that are instantly recognizable for their spirit and creativity. A leader in publishing innovation, Chronicle Books was the first to publish paperback cookbooks with vibrant, full-bleed food photography throughout; the first to offer art books in paperback so the price could be kept low and accessible to a wider number of people; and, with its breakout book Griffin & Sabine (1991), it was the first to expand the boundaries of what a book could be. Throughout its history, Chronicle Books’ titles have been widely acclaimed for their cutting-edge design, superb production, and ability to surprise and delight readers of all ages.

In keeping with Chronicle’s mission to make high quality art and design accessible to as many people as possible, books were displayed on open shelves, and viewers of the exhibit were encouraged to leaf through the volumes.

Exhibition Catalog :: A fully illustrated catalog of this exhibition may be purchased from San Francisco Center for the Book

Related programming for this exhibition included :: a Book Talk titled Chronicle Books :: The First 50 Years which took place on August 18, 2017 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Members of the editorial, design and production departments spoke about Chronicle Books, sharing thoughtful anecdotes and curious remembrances of events that paved the way for this most unique publishing company.